Biocon Leads India Push Into Weight Loss Drugs As Patents Lapse

Biocon Limited, an Indian biotechnology company based in Bangalore, is making strides in the weight loss drug market as patents for several blockbuster medications expire, opening up opportunities for generic versions of these drugs to be produced at a lower cost. The company's foray into weight loss drugs is part of its larger strategy to capitalize on the expiration of patents for high-value drugs and offer affordable alternatives to patients.

One of the key weight loss drugs that Biocon is focusing on is Orlistat, which is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that reduces the absorption of dietary fat from the gut. Orlistat was originally marketed under the brand name Xenical by Roche Holding AG and later as Alli by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The patent for Orlistat expired in several countries in 2014, paving the way for generic versions to enter the market. Biocon's generic version of Orlistat, marketed under the brand name Lipaglyn, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 and is now available in various markets.

Another weight loss drug that Biocon is developing is Biosimilar Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that aids in weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. Semaglutide is marketed under the brand name Ozempic by Novo Nordisk for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The patent for Semaglutide is set to expire in 2023, and Biocon has already received regulatory approval for its biosimilar version in several countries, including the European Union and Japan.

The entry of Biocon and other Indian pharmaceutical companies into the weight loss drug market is expected to bring significant price reductions and increased competition, making these treatments more accessible to a larger population. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global weight loss drugs market is projected to reach USD 227.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period. With the expiration of patents and the entry of generic and biosimilar versions, this market is expected to become more competitive and price-driven.

In conclusion, Biocon's push into the weight loss drugs market is a strategic move that capitalizes on the expiration of patents for high-value drugs and offers affordable alternatives to patients. The company's focus on Orlistat and Biosimilar Semaglutide is expected to bring significant price reductions and increased competition in this growing market.